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Conspicuous vs Complacent - What's the difference?

conspicuous | complacent |

As adjectives the difference between conspicuous and complacent

is that conspicuous is obvious or easy to notice while complacent is uncritically satisfied with oneself or one's achievements; smug.

conspicuous

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Obvious or easy to notice.
  • * {{quote-book, year=1928, author=Lawrence R. Bourne
  • , title=Well Tackled! , chapter=7 citation , passage=“No, don't,” replied the superintendent; “in fact, I'd rather you made yourself conspicuous elsewhere. Go down to the landing stage and cross to New Brighton or Wallasey—doesn't matter which—and come back. No doubt you will be seen, and reported to have gone across.”}}
    He was conspicuous by his absence.
  • Noticeable or attracting attention, especially if unattractive.
  • * 1969 , Saul Bellow, Mr Sammler's Planet , Penguin Books Ltd, page 6:
  • For his height he had a small face. The combination made him conspicuous .
    He had a conspicuous lump on his forehead.

    Antonyms

    * inconspicuous

    complacent

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Uncritically satisfied with oneself or one's achievements; smug.
  • Apathetic with regard to an apparent need or problem.
  • Usage notes

    * (term) should not be confused with its homophone, complaisant.

    Synonyms

    * smug * self-satisfied

    Derived terms

    * (l) * self-complacent